Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, offer unique typing experiences. The Crystal Brown is best known for its subtle tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Sage switches are renowned for their distinct clicky sound and heavy weight, offering a refreshing and sharp typing experience. The Crystal Brown is categorized as a tactile switch, while the Sage falls under the clicky category. If you prefer a tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown might be the right choice for you. However, if you enjoy a clicky typing experience with a heavy feel, the Sage switch could be more suitable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Kailh Sage, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Sage also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound experience to the Crystal Brown.
In terms of sound and feel, the top and bottom housings of these switches play a significant role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. The split in housing materials for each switch offers a unique typing experience with a combination of sharpness and depth in sound. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference lies in the nylon bottom housing, where the Crystal Brown presents a fuller sound compared to the Sage's rounder sound.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Kailh Sage may come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a crisp and resonant sound due to their polycarbonate top housings, the Crystal Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, whereas the Sage offers a duller and rounder sound with its own nylon bottom housing. Whether RGB lighting is a factor or the key feel is a priority, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has no specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Crystal Brown is also lighter at 55 grams, while the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown would provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage would offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their advantages, with the Crystal Brown being suitable for longer typing sessions and the Sage providing a stronger push feel for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being on the longer side and the Sage being on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Kailh Sage switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Outemu Crystal Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer very different experiences in both sound and feel. The Crystal Brown is known for its subtle tactile bump without any specific sound characteristic highlighted. On the other hand, the Sage switch provides a crunchy and sharp clicky sound, making it a more audibly satisfying option for those who enjoy a loud typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown lacks specific descriptors but is generally considered to be a smooth tactile switch. In contrast, the Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, offering a pronounced tactile bump and a firm actuation force for a more immersive typing sensation. Overall, while the Crystal Brown may provide a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Sage switch is better suited for those who enjoy a more tactile and audibly satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown and Kailh Sage switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Crystal Brown may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the Kailh Sage switch would be a more suitable choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to what sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with a smooth tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a distinct clicky sound and sharp tactile bump, the Sage would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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